Grand Forks air traffic control tower to be replaced as part of nationwide upgrade

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) – The air traffic control tower at Grand Forks International Airport will be replaced as part of a massive upgrade to the nation’s entire air traffic control system.

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation says the tower in Grand Forks is one of eight ATC towers across the country being replaced and outfitted with state-of-the-art technology.

Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration is providing $85.8 million to upgrade Federal Contract Towers at 41 airports in 24 states.

The FAA says the replacement locations were chosen based on safety and efficiency needs. Many air traffic facilities are decades old and have failing infrastructure such as HVAC systems, pest issues, and leaking roofs.

The cost to replace the eight towers is about $750 million.